Tiresias, the blind seer from Thebes

Tiresias was a blind seer from Thebes, Greece. He was famous for his extraordinary prophetic powers, his talent to interpret the language of the birds and his longevity: according to the legend, Tiresias lived for six to nine generations, earning respect from his contemporaries.

Tiresias was the son of Everes, a shepherd, and the Nymph Chariclo, a close friend of goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Tiresias was a descendant of the Spartoi, who were created by the teeth of a dragon.

Many conflicting stories are told about the reason of Tiresias' blindness.
According to one myth, Tiresias was blinded by the gods, because he spread among the human race what the gods wanted to keep concealed.
According to another myth, Tiresias was blinded by goddess Athena because he happened to see her naked.